Father,
You are worshiped in every part of the world. Even those who rebel against you and try to run from you still live in your world and benefit from your care, and continue breathing for a time by your permission. Soon your power will bring even them to acknowledge with great embarrassment that all things that exist belong to you and that the proper place of every made thing is to worship you.
But we love you and worship you gladly. Every day our lives bring us more of your great works to consider, and our contemplations teach us to wonder at new aspects of your ancient works that we have long known. May we never be like those who know about you but do not honor you and give you thanks. May praise and thankfulness to you always be ready in our thoughts and words.
The most awesome of your deeds is the accomplishment of our redemption and we will forever marvel in the glory of that day. You suspended your faithful servant on a tree between heaven and earth so that out of the anguish of his soul, a final offering for sin might be made. Though this was your will, you heard his call to you and came down robed in darkness, blotting out the midday light and shaking the foundation of the mountains. And when you were satisfied that all had been accomplished, you tore the great veil of your temple, announcing to the whole world that the way to you is open. Then, defeating the petty interests of his murderers, you brought your servant back to life and drew him up behind the clouds to rule the universe from a glorious heavenly throne.
As we seek to be faithful servants of your anointed one, please help us to see ourselves clearly so that we might make progress in our sanctification and be more fruitful in our knowledge of him. Keep us from mistaking vices for similar looking virtues. We desire and pursue patience and gentleness, but keep us from a slothful disposition that lacks zeal for good works and avoids difficult encounters that might do good to the soul of another. On the other hand, keep us also from mistaking restlessness or anger for godly zeal. Help us to love peace. Help us to be patient people who bear with one another, but please keep each of us from being the kind of people who need to be born with.
Please give each of us strength to do the work we have undertaken in your service. Give skill and worshipful hearts to your musicians, clarity and wisdom to those who teach and read the scriptures, faith and affection to those who pray, friendliness and joy to those who welcome others, and energy and patience to those who care for children. May all that is done here this morning be honoring to you and promote the unity and affection among your people that you desire.